dreams

via lanaloustyle

happy monday!

Lemon pie and a sunny day make me happy, very happy!


Especially the sunny day part!

sunday supper: on the grill

I hope everyone who has been cooped up in Chicago during these long, cold months are outside tomorrow grilling and finally enjoying some nice weather.

grilled avocado via circlebkitchen

grilled asparagus via pinkparsley

grilled corn via dishygoodness

grilled sweet potato salad via agoodappetite

grilled turkey burgers w/cheddar & smoky aioli via bonappetit as seen on culinarycovers

grilled peaches via tartelette

Have a safe and happy Memorial Day!

must reads

I love Harry Potter and cannot wait for Part Two, which just so happens to come out on my birthday. If you love HP as much as I do then you must read this.

via postsecret

And if you need some motivation then you should read this too.

don't worry

via ienrapture

happy monday!

The little things in life make me happy!

via justlittlethings

What are some of your little things that make you happy? Here's to a week full of happy little things.

sunday supper: afternoon cocktails

Today is the perfect day for sipping away the afternoon.

blackberry thyme margarita

Here are some other refreshing beverages that would be perfect for a Sunday afternoon:

- moscow mules

- grapefruit and mint mojito

- rosemary lemon drop

- white wine sangria

bike to work day

Happy Bike to Work Day! It's a beautiful day in the Chicagoland area- a perfect day for riding a bike, if I do say so myself. What does your commute to work look like from a bike? Send me your pics. And have a wonderful bike riding weekend!

via modcloth

via porhomme

via ecosalon

via likebikes

via velorution

flirty and fun!

It's another dreary day here in Chicago. Seriously, what did we do to get cheated out of a spring? I sincerely hope that Mother Nature will reward us with one glorious summer. In the meantime, as I eagerly await sunshine and warmth, I just came across something that is brightening up my 'Day' . . . a Doris Day font. I mean how could your day not be full of flirty smiles and fun quips when using this font? One of the reasons I adore her is because when I was searching for a song to walk down the aisle to I happened upon her singing this song and I just knew- kind of like I just knew that he was it.

via macworld

So long Curlz MT, it was fun while it lasted, but "This town ain't big enough! Not for me and that frilled-up, flirtin', man-rustlin' petticoat, it ain't!"

making life better

via peopleforbikes

Yes, I quite agree that bikes do make life better.

And did you know that it's National Bike to Work Week? Since Ebert and I both work from home, for the most part, it's kind of hard for us to bike to work. But, who knows? Maybe we'll try it!

confidence

via create.your.happy

"Magic is believing in yourself, if you can do that, you can make anything happen."

~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

happy monday!

Mustaches on a stick make me happy!

sunday supper: mexican fiesta

Last night we had a Fiesta party that we called "Catorce de Mayo". It was a party for Ebert's birthday and even though he doesn't like a fuss to be made about his birthday he graciously allowed me to go a little overboard, like making party decorations (hence the homemade birthday sign), but really it was just a good excuse to get together with family and friends. There was lots of eating and drinking done by all, although with playing the role of the host I forgot to take pictures of all the food. I made some traditional favorites like rice and beans, but I also wanted to try some new recipes like Chicken Chile Verde and a
Mexican Chocolate Cake for dessert. I don't think my cooking is quite as good as my nana's or mom's, but with a little more practice I'm sure I'll get there. The best part is all the delicious leftovers we ate today!

three reasons

Today is one of my favorite days for three reasons...

One - 32 years ago he was born.


Two - 4 years ago our lovely friends got married at a castle in Austria.



Three - 3 years ago I said yes!


Yes, May 12th is indeed a good day!

with an open heart

via robindira

"If you must say yes, say it with an open heart. If you must say no, say it without fear."

~ Paulo Coelho

brilliant...

as in bloody brilliant.

via jessebrown

happy monday!

Planning a fiesta birthday party for my favorite person makes me happy!

via paperandcake

outdoor garden

I am really loving these outdoor gardens. We don't have much space on our patio so a small vertical garden would be perfect. Last summer I tried planting an indoor herb garden, but sadly my rosemary and mint did not make it more than a few weeks so I don't think I have much of a green thumb. Although I should because my mom, back in her hippie days, used to grow her own vegetables. And when I was little I remember my Tata used to grow tomatoes and peppers and watermelons. I'm just hoping that a green thumb is genetic. I know that if I can convince Ebert to help me (hint hint) that we would have a glorious garden- green thumbs definitely run in his family. I'm sure there's nothing like the feel of picking your own vegetables fresh out of the ground, but since there is only concrete in my backyard I will have to get creative. Ah, I do love city life, even when it means creating a garden out of a wood pallet.

via lifeonthebalcony

via instructables

via apartmenttherapy

pretty bikes

May is National Bike Month. It's still a little too chilly in Chicago to be riding outside, at least for me. There are plenty of Chicagoans who won't let a little cold, or rain, or even snow stop them from riding their bikes- I'll tell you these Midwesterners are tough. I am longing to pedal through the streets again, so in hopes that the weather will be warming up soon here's some pretty inspiration to get you and your bike ready for summer.

via ohhappyday!

via somethingshidinginhere

via gabriellekai

via designspongeonline

purpose

via workisnotajob

“Life is without meaning. You bring the meaning to it. The meaning of life is whatever you ascribe it to be. Being alive is the meaning.”

~ Joseph Campbell

happy monday!

A quiet weekend spent on the farm makes me happy!

sunday supper: curds and beer

We're in Wisconsin this weekend visiting family and every time we come up here we have two special requests- cheese curds and New Glarus beer in the fridge. Since our request is always granted we end up eating way too much cheese and have to go on a cheese detox when we get home. But it's worth it and just part of the weekend fun! If you ever find yourself in Wisconsin then you have to, it's an absolute must, enjoy both of these deliciousness- cheese curds are best when they are from and eaten in Wisconsin and you can only get New Glarus beer locally. I highly recommend the Two Women and the Belgian Red, although all New Glarus beers are quite good. And garlic and dill cheese curds are my favorite. If you aren't exactly sure what a curd is, or you just love cheese, then watch this video. And if you want to get real fancy then eat cheese curds while drinking a New Glarus. Ahhhhhh . . . weekend getaways are the best!

via wisconsincheeseinfo